New AI Algorithm for Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Detection on CTA Gets FDA Nod

Over one million people in the United States have an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).¹ Aortic aneurysms claimed the lives of 9,904 people in the U.S. in 2019.² Researchers have noted that mortality rates with AAAs could be underestimated as they may cause up to five percent of 200,000 sudden death cases annually in the U.S.³

However, Viz AAA (Viz.ai), an emerging artificial intelligence (AI)-powered algorithm, may facilitate earlier detection and treatment for people with AAAs. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted 510(k) clearance to Viz AAA, which provides automated AI assessments of computed tomography angiography (CTA) to detect suspected AAA, according to Viz.ai.⁴

Philip Batista, M.D., noted the majority of people with AAA are asymptomatic and lack awareness of the disease until they have a rupture. He called Viz AAA a significant advance for this high-risk population.

“This algorithm is a powerful new tool for healthcare professionals to more readily identify and capture individuals with AAA and, importantly, automatically refer those at imminent risk for rupture,” said Dr. Batista, an associate program director of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Residency and assistant professor of surgery at the Cooper Medical School of Rowan University in New Jersey.

Viz.ai added that Viz AAA can be integrated into existing hospital workflows and will be available through the Viz AORTIC Module, an AI platform geared toward facilitating accelerated treatment of aortic pathology.

(Editor’s note: For related content, see “AI-Powered Algorithm May Enhance CT Assessment of Aortic Dissection” and “Could AI Improve Detection of Intracranial Aneurysms on CT Angiography?”)

References

1. Kent KC, Zwolak RM, Egorova NN, et al. Analysis of risk factors for abdominal aortic aneurysm in a cohort of more than 3 million individuals. J Vasc Surg. 2010;52(3):539-48.

2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Aortic aneurysm. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/aortic_aneurysm.htm . Accessed March 22, 2023.

3. Schermerhorn M. A 66-year-old man with an abdominal aortic aneurysm: review of screening and treatment. JAMA. 2009;302(18):2015-22.

4. Viz.ai. Viz.ai is first to receive FDA 510(k) clearance for AI algorithm for abdominal aortic aneurysm. Available at: https://www.viz.ai/press-release/viz-ai-is-first-to-receive-fda-510-k-clearance-for-ai-algorithm-for-abdominal-aortic-aneurysm . Published March 21, 2023. Accessed March 22, 2023.